Weight transfer carrying device and method

ABSTRACT

A weight transfer carrying device includes an arm cuff, an elongated tether having a first connector, a rotatable cuff buckle, and an object attachment unit having a strap, a clip and a complementary connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit to copending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/163,414 filed on 11 Jun. 2011 and U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/358,616 filed on 25 Jun. 2010, the contents of each of which are fully incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a carrying device, and more particularly to an adjustable over the shoulder device for assisting a user to carry heavy or bulky items.

2. Description of Related Art

Over the shoulder straps, slings and pouches have been used for many years to assist users in holding and carrying items. FIG. 1A illustrates a conventional carrying strap 100 having an elongated rope or tether 110 formed into a loop and including a connector 120 for securing the device to an external object.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, these conventional shoulder straps are typically worn by placing the strap around the head and neck of a user, or by slinging the strap over a single shoulder. In either instance, however, the entire weight of the object 5 is transferred to the users body 1 at a single location where the body makes contact with the strap. As such, a significant amount of downward pressure P is exerted upon a relatively small area of the body along the neck area and/or a single shoulder. For this reason, many users commonly experience upper back and neck injuries resulting from sustained usage of conventional shoulder straps 100 due to the lateral and medial forces exerted on one side of the upper body of the user.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a weight transfer carrying device and associated method of using the same, that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the above noted devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a weight transfer carrying device. One embodiment of the present invention can include an adjustable arm cuff having a buckle for receiving an elongated tether. The cuff buckle can be rotatably secured to the cuff, and the length of the tether can be adjustable. The tether can include a quick connect fastener for engaging a complementary quick connect fastener located on an object attachment unit. The object attachment unit can include an elongated strap having a clip disposed along one end. The object attachment unit can function to engage external objects via the clip, or can act as a self-tightening clinch hitch.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1A is a side view of a conventional shoulder strap.

FIG. 1B perspective view of a conventional strap in operation.

FIG. 1C is another perspective view of a conventional strap in operation.

FIG. 2 is an exploded parts view of a weight transfer carrying device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the weight transfer carrying device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial cutout view of the cuff and tether in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the object attachment unit of the weight transfer carrying device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the weight transfer carrying device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A-6D are perspective views of the weight transfer carrying device in operation, and accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the weight transfer carrying device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of carrying an object utilizing the weight transfer carrying device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

As described herein, the terms “rotatably connected” “rotatably secured” and all derivatives shall be used interchangeably to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a manner that allows one or both of the objects to rotate/pivot about or in relation to the other object. Likewise, the terms “removably stored” and “removably secured” shall be used interchangeably to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate one embodiment of a weight transfer carrying device that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. As shown, the device 20 can include, essentially, an arm cuff 21, a tether 30 and an object attachment unit 40.

In one embodiment, the arm cuff 21 can include an elongated flexible or semi-flexible member having two ends 21 a and 21 b which can be removably secured together via a connection material 21 c, thus allowing the cuff to be sized to fit various arm sizes. In one embodiment, the arm cuff 21 can also include a semi-rigid internal support member 22 which can be embedded within a portion of the cuff in order to allow the cuff to retain its shape when an outside force is imparted onto the cuff. Such a feature being helpful to a user while positioning the cuff on their arm.

In one preferred embodiment, the support member 22 can include an elongated strand of steel pallet banding, the arm cuff 21 can be constructed from polypropylene webbing, and the connection material 21 c can include strips of hook and loop material. Of course one of skill in the art will recognize that many other suitable cuff materials such as nylon and cotton blend, support materials such as plastic inserts, and connectors such as snaps and buttons, for example, can be utilized without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention.

An adjustable buckle 25 can be secured to the arm cuff at a location that is between the two ends 21 a and 21 b. In the preferred embodiment, the buckle 25 can include a conventional plastic ladder lock buckle which can receive and engage the tether in a secure manner, while also allowing the user to adjust the length of the tether.

As shown best in FIG. 4, The buckle 25 can be rotatably secured to the arm cuff via a grommet, rivet 25 a or other such hardware capable of permanently affixing the buckle to the cuff in a manner that permits the buckle 25 to rotate (see arrows a) 360 degrees about a central axis (e.g., the rivet) of the buckle. Of course, any number of other known hardware devices capable of securing the buckle to the cuff in a rotatable manner, and for receiving the tether can also be utilized.

The tether 30 can include an elongated inelastic member 31 having a first end 31 a and a second end 31 b. As shown, the first end 31 a can function to engage the cuff buckle 25, and the second end of the tether 31 b can include a quick connect fastener 32, such as a side release receiver, for example, capable of engaging the object attachment unit 40. In one embodiment, the tether 30 can be constructed from one or more strips of inelastic fabric such as polypropylene webbing, for example, however, any number of other lightweight fabric materials having excellent tensile strengths are also contemplated.

The end of the receiver 32 can preferably be secured to the end of the tether 31 b via conventional stitching 32 a, in order to permanently affix the receiver onto the tether. In addition to the above, any number of optional pockets 31 c and/or padding 31 d can be secured along a portion of the tether 30 to provide additional comfort to the user.

The object attachment unit 40 can include an elongated inelastic or elastic strap 41 having a clip 43 at one end, and another quick connect fastener 42 that is complementary to the fastener 32 described above, at the other end. In the preferred embodiment, the strap 41 can also be constricted from one or more strips of inelastic polypropylene webbing, the clip 43 can preferably include a conventional carabiner, D-ring or other such clasp which can transition between an open and closed position, and the fastener 42 can preferably include a conventional side release tongue having complementary dimensions to the receiver 32. Of course, any number of other known quick connect devices are also contemplated for use herein.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the attachment unit 40 can function as a self-tightening clinch hitch when engaging secondary objects 5, such as the illustrated bucket. In this manner, the strap portion 41 can be positioned around a portion 5 a of the object, such as a handle, for example, and the clip 43 can then engage the strap. Once engaged, the end of the strap having the fastener 42 can be pulled (See arrow b) thereby tightening the strap 41 around the object (See arrow c). At this time, the attachment unit 40 is secured to the object 5, and is ready to be mated with the tether 30. Additionally, or as an alternative to the above, the clip 43 of the attachment unit can also function to directly engage the secondary object by clipping onto a suitable portion.

FIGS. 6A, 6BL, 6BR, 6C and 6D illustrate one embodiment of the weight transfer carrying device 20 in action. As shown, the device 20 can be used to alter the weight distribution of (and the corresponding pressure exerted by) an external object 5 in a novel manner that is more comfortable and less likely to cause injuries to a user. As shown, the arm cuff 21 can be positioned around the arm of a user 1 and the tether 30 can be placed across the user's back and on top of the users opposing shoulder. The attachment unit 40 can be secured to an external object 5, as described above, and the user can lift the object 5 by simply standing up.

By positioning the cuff 21 and attachment unit 40 on opposite sides of the users' body 1, the weight of the object is transferred across a wide area, and is essentially split into two generally opposing forces P1 and P2, as shown. More specifically, the pressure P1 exerted on the arm having the cuff 21 is in a generally upward direction, that is opposite to the pressure P2 that is experienced by the other shoulder.

Because a significant amount of the object weight is transferred into an upward force, the user does not have to exert and energy to carry this portion of the load, and can therefore carry extremely heavy objects without tiring his or her muscles. Moreover, owing to the unique pivoting action of the buckle 25, the tether can be adjusted to any necessary angle so as to ensure the tether 31 does not make contact with the users neck (See FIGS. 6A and 6B).

As such, the weight transfer device 20 can be worn by a user in a manner that eliminates pressure exerted on the neck and/or back, thereby allowing the device to be used for long periods of time without causing a user to suffer from back and neck pain.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a weight transfer carrying device 20 that is configured to absorb momentum shifts while the device is in use. As shown, arm cuff 21′ can be constructed from a single piece of flexible/elastic material configured to stretch (see arrow d) to fit the arm size of a user. Likewise, the tether 31′ can be constructed from an elastic material and configured to stretch and contract in rhythm with any external forces (see arrow e) imparted on the device while in use. In one preferred embodiment, both the cuff 21′ and the tether member 31′ can be constructed from one or more individual strips of elastic webbing or other similar material having excellent strength and elasticity.

Accordingly, a weight transfer carrying device as disclosed herein can minimize pressure on the back, neck and shoulders of a user while retaining the ability to carry heavy items.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method 800 for lifting and carrying heavy objects utilizing the weight transfer carrying device described above.

The method can begin at step 805 where a user can secure the arm cuff to their arm (i.e. bicep or forearm). This can be accomplished by utilizing the securing means or by expanding the elastic material to fit the arm of the user.

Next, the method can proceed to step 810 where the user can position the tether across their back and shoulder opposite to the cuff.

In step 815, the user can secure the attachment unit to the object, thereby forming a clinch hitch. Once positioned, the method can proceed to step 820, where the OAU can be secured to the tether.

In step 825, the user can lift the object using the device, and in step 830, the user can adjust the weight distribution of the object across their body based on their own preference.

As described herein, one or more elements of the weight transfer device 20 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, stitches, hem tape, liquid seams, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individual elements of the device may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A weight transfer carrying device, comprising: a generally flexible arm cuff having a shape and dimension that is suitable for engaging an arm of a user; a cuff buckle that is rotatably secured to the arm cuff; an elongated tether having a first end that is configured to engage the cuff buckle, and a second end having a first quick connect fastener secured thereon; and an object attachment unit that includes an elongated inelastic strap having a clip disposed at a first end, and a second quick connect fastener disposed at a second end, wherein the first and second quick connect fasteners include complementary dimensions and function to engage and disengage with one another.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cuff buckle is configured to rotate 360 degrees about a central axis.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the clip includes a carabiner.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the tether is constructed from an inelastic fiber material.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the strap is constructed from an inelastic fiber material.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the cuff buckle consists of: a plastic ladder lock buckle.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the arm cuff includes an adjustable dimension and at least one of a plurality of hook and loop fasteners, a snap and a button.
 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a reinforcement material that is disposed within a portion of the arm cuff, the reinforcement material functioning to assist a user in securing the arm cuff to an arm of the user.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the reinforcement material includes one or more strips of metallic pallet banding.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein a length of the tether is adjustable.
 11. The device of claim 1, further comprising: one or more pockets that are disposed along the tether; and padding material that is disposed along a middle portion of the tether.
 12. A weight transfer carrying device, comprising: a circular elastic arm cuff having a shape and dimension that is suitable for engaging an arm of a user; a cuff buckle that is rotatably secured to the arm cuff; an elongated elastic tether having a first end that is configured to engage the cuff buckle, and a second end having a first quick connect fastener secured thereon; and an object attachment unit that includes an elongated inelastic strap having a clip disposed at a first end, and a second quick connect fastener disposed at a second end, wherein the first and second quick connect fasteners include complementary dimensions and function to engage and disengage with one another.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the cuff buckle is configured to rotate 360 degrees about a central axis.
 14. The device of claim 12, wherein the clip includes a carabiner.
 15. The device of claim 12, wherein the cuff buckle consists of: a plastic ladder lock buckle.
 16. The device of claim 12, wherein a length of the tether is adjustable.
 17. The device of claim 12, further comprising: one or more pockets that are disposed along the tether; and padding material that is disposed along a middle portion of the tether.
 18. A method for carrying external objects, said method including: providing a weight transfer carrying device that includes an arm cuff that is rotatably secured to an elongated tether, and an object attachment unit; securing the arm cuff to an arm of a user; positioning a middle portion of the tether across a back and a shoulder of the user; securing the object attachment unit to a portion of the external object; and lifting the external object via the tether. 